Championing the fight against drug smuggling and illegal activities, Punjab police and the Border Security Force (BSF) orchestrated a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the drug supply chain and counter drone operations along the Punjab international borders with warring neighbour, Pakistan. These border regions have recently witnessed a surge in drug smuggling through the utilization of drones.
The state’s Special Director General of Police (law and order) Arpit Shukla and IG Frontier Headquarters, BSF Jalandhar, Dr Atul Fulzele held a coordinated meeting involving senior officials from various agencies such as BSF, Punjab Police, and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), at BSF Jalandhar's Frontier Headquarters to laid out plans to reinforce security measures along the state border to curtail cross-border drug smuggling. The meeting also included IGP Law and Order Pradeep Yadav, DIG Ferozepur Range Ranjit Singh Dhillon, and six other DIGs of BSF.
Emphasizing the importance of synergy and cooperation between BSF and Punjab Police, Special DGP Arpit Shukla highlighted the need for united efforts and intelligence sharing. He emphasized leveraging human intelligence and real-time information to tackle the evolving tactics of drug traffickers.
Acknowledging the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's commitment, Rs 20 crores were sanctioned for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the border areas, bolstering the secondary line of defense against drug smugglers and antisocial elements. An additional Rs 10 crores were allocated to enhance police infrastructure, including police stations. Furthermore, increased police presence and vehicles will be provided to the border police.
The state DGP Gaurav Yadav had previously announced a reward of ₹ one lakh for information on drone movement leading to the discovery of weapons or narcotics.
Special DGP Arpit Shukla directed the DIG Border range and DIG Ferozepur range to ensure that Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and other senior officers spend nights in border villages at least once or twice a month — a measure aimed at building trust and rapport within the local communities.
At the same time, he urged the Commissioners of Police and the SSPs to identify and seize properties of major narco smugglers caught with significant quantities of drugs. This year, Punjab Police has already confiscated and forfeited 30 properties worth Rs 12.99 crores.
The implementation of a ‘Civic Action Programme’ to transform border villages into model villages was also underscored. This initiative seeks to enhance facilities, including infrastructure, education, transportation, and communication. “We should establish parks and grounds in all the villages to promote sports culture among the youth and channelize their energy in the right direction,” he said.